Christmas is just around the corner and and I’m sure many of us will need to make a last-minute dash for gifts. To avoid resorting to panic or impulse buying, write a list of who you are shopping for and what they like, then use my suggestions to help guide your spending.

Hand savers
The pandemic drummed into us the importance of hand washing, and we’ll be washing them even more regularly with all the winter bugs the cold weather brings, which can result in dry, cracked skin. A good quality hand cream is a great gift idea and if you want to push the boat out, why not pop it inside a lovely pair of gloves?

Clarins has a Hand and Nail Treatment Cream for £27 that softens, hydrates and protects from environmental damage like cold weather. Famed for hand and foot products, Margaret Dabbs’ London Intensive Hydrating Hand Cream can be paired with the Luxury Treatment Gloves for a truly hydrating experience.

We shouldn’t overlook Marks & Spencer for some excellent skincare; they stock their own product ranges as well as many well-known brands. Prai is a perfect example, with a wide range of cruelty-free skin care. Their Ageless Throat & Decolletage Crème became one of their best sellers worldwide, claiming to deliver results in just one week.

Skin care
Skincare is always a lovely indulgence to give as a gift. At this time of year, choose an extra rich product for the face or body. Clarins’ Double Serum is a little pricey, with bottles starting from £65 for 30ml, but with over 400 beauty awards worldwide and one sold every five seconds, it could be a winning gift idea! The serum has just been released for the ninth time, and this version’s formula contains 22 powerful plant extracts to counteract skin ageing.

Perhaps a Dyson hair dryer is out of your reach, so why not consider a post-styling serum at £49 instead? The key ingredient, Chitosan, is derived from oyster mushrooms and it claims to hold your style without that ‘crunchy’ feeling, while also controlling frizz and repairing damage.

Fashion
Corduroy is very popular for the upcoming season for both men and women. Today’s corduroy is not the stiff, hard fabric of the past, but soft and comfortable. Many people believe corduroy originated in France, with the words ‘Cord du Roi’ translating to ‘cord for Kings’. Whether this is true or not, it’s a lovely fabric to include in your wardrobe.

If you’re thinking of treating a loved one to a corduroy item, Zara has a lovely selection starting from £29. Colours of the season are chocolate brown, forest green and various shades of burgundy.

Velvet
High street shops are awash with velvets. From Monsoon’s wide leg velvet trousers at £65 and in three super shades, to Marks & Spencer’s tempting offerings. Why not look at their teal velvet one-button blazer for £79, or the matching straight leg trousers for £45? The jacket can easily be teamed up with other clothes and is a great investment for any wardrobe.

I hope you find what you are looking for and enjoy a stress-free Christmas. Happy holidays!